Angular switching device for synchronous motors



y 1941. F. H. GULLIKSEN 2,249,821

ANGULAR SWITCHING DEVICE FOR SYNCHRONOUS MOTO RS Filed Aug. 11, 1939 Hg. 2. g 3

EB{ y EB{ Breakdpwn Po/nz Time 7 Time High 5/50 freq. L over Slip Freq.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR Fin/1 H. Gu/fiksen.

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4 @JiW ATTORNEY Patented July 22, 1941- ,UNITED STATE-S PATIENT OFFICE anaemia SWITCHING DEVICE FOR SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS Finn H. Gulliks'en, Pittsburgh, Pa assignor to Westinghouse Electric '& Manui' acturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application August 11, 1939, Serial No. 289,549

9 Claims.

/ My invention relates to an automatic starting for withholding direct current energization of the field winding of the synchronous motor until very near synchronous speed of the motor has been obtained. Examples of suchdevices are a time delay relay, a relay responsive to the frequency of the induced voltage in the short-circuited field winding during starting, and a relay responsive to the frequency of the induced voltage in the armature or stator winding during starting. It has also been found during the past that it is necessary not only to effect switching-at or near synchronous speed, but the switching should occur at a time when the induced field current has a certain polarity or better still, at the moment the pole pieces on which the field winding is wound are at a predetermined posi- Figs. 2 and 3 are curves showing certain voltages in the control system at different values of slip frequency.

Referring more particularly to Figure 1, numeral I denotes a synchronous motor having an armature or stator 2 and a field winding or rotor 3. The winding of the armature 2 is energized by a polyphase source of alternating current which is applied to the conductors l, 5, and 8.

Mechanically coupled to the shaft of the armature 2 is the armature l of a pilot generator 8. The field winding 9 of the pilot generator is energized from a source of direct current indicated by the terminals and and such energization is variable by means of the variable resistor III which is in the field winding circuit. A conventional discharge resistor ii normally shortcircuits field winding I during the starting operation of the synchronous motor through contact members ll of the relay l3.

Transformers I 4 and is are provided to energize a control circuit discussed more clearly hereinafter. The primary of transformer I4 is enertion with respect to a given point on the wave of alternating current Supplied to the armature or stator winding in order to afford maximum pull-in torque at synchronization. This latter type of control is often referred to as "angle switching.

An object of my invention is to provide an electronic control means for the purpose of controlling application of the direct current source to the field winding of a synchronous motor so that energization of the field will occur only at near synchronous speed and including "angle switching" means for effecting energization of the field winding at a moment which will afford maximum pull-in torque of the motor at synchronization. Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic control system for synchronous motor starting which is simple, inexpensive, instantaneously responsive, and reliable in operation.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent from a study of the following specificatlon when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic showing of a control system for effecting synchronous motor starting embodying the principles of my invention; and

gized by one of the phases (conductors 5-6) of the alternating current source of supply, whereas the primary of transformer i5 is energized by voltage which is generated by the pilot generator armature l, the latter, of course, being dependent upon the speed of the armature 2 of thesynchronous motor. It will be seen, therefore, that a voltage having a beat frequency corresponding to the difference of the frequency of the alternating current supplying voltage and the pilot generator voltage will be induced in a circuit which includes the secondary windings of transformers I4 and I5 and which circuit also includes a bridge type coppercopper-oxlde rectifier l6. Likewise, transformers Ila and l5a will be energized bythe same sources of supply as transformers l4 and I5 respectively, hence, a similar beat voltage will occur in a circuit including the secondary windings of transformers Ila and I50. Transformers a and lid are preferably peak'transformers, that is, of the type which. produce a peaked wave form as distinguished from transformers l4 and i5 which should produce a wave form substantially of sine wave formation.

The purpose ofpeak wave forms of voltages E1 and E: which occur across potentiometers 23 and 24 which shunt secondaries of transformers Na and l5a, respectively, is to provide a more accurate and reliable control which will effect attainment of a sufficient positive potential on the grid of tube l9 when the peak voltages are thus interrupting the circuit matched or are substantially in exact phase equality.

The output terminals of rectifier ll indicated by and are connected across a condenser 0. Thus, it will be seen that a rectified or pulsating unidirectional voltage will be applied across the terminals of condenser C.

Across the terminals of the direct current source are provided potentiometers l1 and I8. A grid control thermionic tube I 9 is provided, which tube has its cathode connected to a point located between potentiometers l1 and I8 and has its grid connected through resistors 22 and 2| to a point along potentiometer I8, which point is adjustable, as shown.

Let Es denote the voltage between the cathode of tube 18 and the point along potentiometer It at which the variable contact arm is located and let E denote thevoltage across condenser C. Assume now that the synchronous motor has just been started. Therefore, the beat frequency is of substantially high value. Then these characteristics will be such as represented in Fig. 2 which represents the voltage EB and E0 at high slip frequencies. The grid voltage on tube l9'is determined by the difference of voltages Ec and EB. Hence, during high slip frequency the resultant grid voltage will not reach a sufilciently positive value to cause tube I! to become ionized. Inasmuch as resistor 22 is of a comparatively high value, the voltages E1 and E: occurring across potentiometrs 23 and 24, respectively, do not have any effect on the grid voltage during this period of the operating cycle. Let us assume now that the motor i has increased in speed and has almost attained synchronous speed, the voltage characteristic of EB and E0 will now be substantially as shown in Fig. 3 due to the fact that each half-cycle impulse has had more time to charge condenser C. At the point the voltage wave E0 dips below the voltage value Ea, a breakdown of tube 19 will occur, thus completing a circuit from the positive terminal of the direct current source to conductor 25, the actuating coil 28 of relay 21, conductor 28, bridged contact members 29, to the anode, thence to the cathode of tube l8 throughpotentiometerresistor H to the negative terminal of the direct current source. Energization of actuating coil 26 will effect 010- sure of contact members 30 and 3| and opening of contact members 32 and 29. It will thus be seen that a holding circuit from the terminal of the direct current source to conductor 25, coil 26, conductor 28 through bridged contact members 3!, and potentiometer I! to the negative terminal of the direct current source will be provided to maintain coil 26 in an energized condition.

Another circuit will be completed from the positive terminal of the direct current source to conductors 25 and 33, bridged contact members 30, the actuating coil 36, of relay II to the anode, thence to the cathode of tube l8, through resistor I! to the negative terminal of the direct current source. Energlzation of actuating coil 36 will effect closure of contact members 35, thus completing the circuit from the direct current source of supply through field winding 3 and will effect opening of contact members l2, through discharge resistor ll.

Since the completion of the last mentioned circuit is dependent upon ionization of tube l9, such circuit completion will not occur until impulse voltages E1 and E2 are matched so as to apply sufficient positive potential on the grid of tube It. When this occurs, that is, when voltages El and E: substantially coincide at their peak values, this will be indicative of the fact that a predetermined relation exists between the pole pieces on which the field winding 3 is wound and a particular point on the wave of alternating current supplied to the armature 2 to the afford maximum pull-in torque. This point for obtaining maximum pull-in torque may be determined by varying the angular relationship between shaft 2a of the armature of the synchronous motor and shaft 1a. of the armature of pilot generator, which angular adJustment can be effected through a suitable coupling member 34 by a "cut and try method, for example.

Sometimes it is desirable to so adjust coupling member 24 that a fair amount of pull-in torque rather than the maxlmumyalue thereof may be obtained at synchronization. In other words, in many instances, if maximum pull-in torque is selected, under certain load conditions,

"the line disturbances may be too great.

I am, of course, aware that others, particularly after having had the benefit of the teachings of my invention, may devise other devices embodying my invention, and I, therefore, do not wishto be limited to the specific showings made in the drawing and the descriptive dlsclosure'hereinbefore made, but wish to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and such prior art that may be pertinent.

I claim as my invention:

1. A control system for automatic starting of a synchronous motor comprising, in combination, a synchronous motor having an armature or stator winding and a field or rotor winding, alternating and direct current sources of supply for energizing said armature and field windings, respectively, an alternating current pilot generator means for producing an alternating current voltage having a frequency corresponding to the speed of said synchronous motor, a beat frequency circuit which has induced therein an alternating voltage of a frequency which is the beat frequency of that of said alternating current source and said alternating current pilot generator means, electronic control means responsive to a predetermined small value of said beat frequency to set up or partially complete a circuit between said direct current source and field coil, a second beat frequency circuit which also has induced therein the same beat frequency voltage as in said first beat frequency circuit and which is effective subsequent to the occurrence of said predetermined small value of beat frequency to complete the circuit between said direct current source and field winding at a time when the pole pieces upon which said field winding is wound have a predetermined position with respect to a given point on the wave of alternating current supplied to said armature so as to afford maximum pull-in torque at synchronization.

2. A control system-for automatic starting of a synchronous motor comprising, in combination,

a synchronous motor having an armature or stator winding and a field or rotor winding, alternating and direct current sources of supply for energizing said armature and field windings, respectively, an alternating current pilot generator means for producing an alternating current voltage having a frequency corresponding to the speed of said synchronous motor, a beat frequency circuit which has induced therein an alduring synchronization and means for varying ternating voltage of a frequency which is the said angle switching means so that a value less beat frequency of that of said alternating current than maximum pull-in torque can be obtained source and said, alternating current pilot generaduring synchronization. tor means, electronic control means responsive to 5 5. A control system for automatic starting of a a predetermined small value of said heat fresynchronous motor comprising, in'combination, a quency to set up or partially complete a circuit synchronous motor having an armature or stator between said directv current source and field coil, winding and '9. held or rotor-winding, alternating a second beat frequency circuit which also has and direct current sources of supply for enerinduced therein the same beat frequency voltage gizing said armature and field windings, respecas in said first beat frequency circuit except that tively, an alternating current pilot generator it is of a more peaked wave form and which is means for producing an alternating current volteflective subsequent to the occurrence of said age having a frequency corresponding to the redetermined small value of beat frequency to speed of said synchronous motor, a beat frecomplete the circuit between said direct current quency circuit which has induced therein source and field winding at a time when the pole ternating voltage of a frequ ncy which is the pieces upon which said field winding is wound beat frequency of that of said alternating current have a predetermined position with respect to a source and said altern ing current pil s ner given point on the wave of alternating current tor means, electronic control means responsive to supplied to said armature so as to afford maxi- 0 a predetermined small value of said beat fremum pull-in torque at synchronization. quency'to Set 119 1 pa i ll mplete a circuit 3. A control system for automatic starting of a between said direct current source and held coil.

synchronous motor comprising, in combination, 8 Second t fr q en y circuit which also has a synchronous motor having an armature or stainduced therein the same beat freq y V lt e tor winding and a field or rotor winding, alter- 88 in s fi t at frequency circuit. an l nating and direct current sources of supply for Switching n a D l 0! r ys. ne 01' which energizing said armature and field windings, rerelays i8 energizable as the result ofoperation spectlvely, an alternating current pilot generator f s d electronic control means due to attainmeans for producing an alternating current volt- "lent a predetermined 0 Value Of beet freage having a frequency corresponding to' the n y voltage to D ily comp e cir t speed of said synchronous motor, electronic conthrough the Second rel y nd at the same time trol means including a. grid controlled thermionic transfer control of said electronic control means tube which is responsive to the beat frequency of to Said angle w hing means, said angle switchsaid alternating current supply voltage and said s means beins then iie e to ene i e the alternating current pilot generator means, angle Second relay and mplete a circuitbetween said switching means, p n of relays, one of which direct current source and said field winding at relays is energizable as the result of operation of a moment when maximum P -111 torque will said electronic control means due to attainment occur during ynchronization. of a predetermined low value of beat frequen 1 6. A control system for automatic starting or a voltage to' partially complete a circuit through synchronous motor c i n in c mbination. the second relay and at the same time transfer synchromus motor having an armature o control of said electronic control means to said Stator Winding and a fl d' or rotor indin angle switching means said angle Switching alternating and direct current sources of supply means being then effective to energize the second for energizing d t re and field windings, relay and complete a circuit between said direct respectively, an alternating rrent pilot genercurrent source and said field winding at a momeans for producing an alternating current merit when maximum pull-in torque will occur voltage having a frequency corresponding to the during synchronization speed of said synchronous motor, a beat fre- 4. A control system for automatic-starting etc. quemy circuit which has induced therein an synchronous motor comprising, in combination, a alternating frequency which 18 the synchronous motor having an armature or stator beat frequency of that said alternating current winding and a field orrotor winding. alternating source and said alternating current pilot gene!" and direct current sources of supply for ener- 2 electronic control means responsive gizing said armature and field windings, respecu gf m small Value 551d beat tiveiy, an alternating current pilot generator q ency Se up or partially complete circuit between said direct current source and field coil,

means for producing an alternating current volta sec age having: a frequency corresponding to the gg gfg im gg its? :re n l lgr itt; uy: I speed of said synchronous motor, electronic mm as in said first beat frequencs, circuit except i trol means including a grid controlled thermionic tube which is responsive to the beat frequency of ,gg g fz gfi gfi mf gfgk xg g ggg said alternating current supply voltage and said is ngrglzable as the result of operation of said alternating current pilot generator means, angle electronic control means due to attainment of a switching means, a pair of relays, one of which predetermined l w value of beat frequency voltage relays is energizable as the result of operation of t partially complete a circuit through t said electronic control means due to attainment second relay and t t same ti transfer of a predetermined w value of beat freq en trol of said electronic control means to said angle voltage to partially complete a circuit through switchin ea said angle switching means the second relay and at the same time transfer ing then effective to energize the second relay control of said electronic control means to said and'complete a circuit between said dir t angle switching means, said angle Switching rent source and said field winding at a moment means being then effective to energize the second when maximum pull-in torque will occur during relay and complete a circuit between said direct synchronization.

current source and said field winding at a mo- 7. A control system for automatic starting of a ment when maximum pull-in torque will occur Sync r n meter p ing. in combination,

a synchronous motor having an armature or stator winding and a field or rotor winding, alternating and direct current sources of supply for energizing said armature and field windings, respectively, an alternating current pilot generator means for producing an alternating current voltage having a frequency corresponding to toe speed of said synchronous motor, a pair of beat frequency circuits each of which has induced therein an alternating current voltage of a frequency which is the beat frequency of that of said alternating current source and said alternating current pilot generator means, electronic control means including a grid controlled thermionic tube which grid is infiuenced only by the first of said beat frequency circuits up to the time said beat frequency decreases to a predetermined low value, means for transferring the control to the second beat frequency in response to said predetermined low value, angle switching means responsive to said second beat frequency circuit for completing a connection between said direct current source and field winding at a moment when maximum pullin torque is afforded due to a predetermined relation between the pole pieces upon which said field winding is wound and a given point on the alterhating current wave supplied to the armature.

8. A control system for automatic starting of a synchronous motor comprising, in combination, a synchronous motor having an armature or stator winding and a field or rotor winding, alternating and direct current sources of supply for energizing said armature and fieldwindings, respectively, an alternating current pilot generator means for producing an alternating current voltage having a frequency corresponding to the speed of said synchronous motor, a pair of beat frequency circults each of which has induced therein an alterrating current voltage of a frequency which is the beat frequency of that of said alternating current source and said alternating current pilot generator means, electronic control means in-- cluding a grid controlled thermionic tube which grid is influenced only by the first of said beat frequency circuits up to the time said beat frequency decreases to a predetermined low value, a pair of relays which are successively controllable by said electronic control means, the first relay being actuable in response to a predetermined decrease in beat frequency in said first beat frequency circuit and being effective to maintain itself in an energized condition and transfer the control to the second beat frequency circuit, the second relay being effective to complete a circuit between the direct current source and the field winding at a time in the operating cycle when the maximum pull-in torque is afforded.

9. A control system for automatic starting of a synchronous motor comprising, in combination, a synchronous motor having an armature or stator winding and a field or rotor winding. alternating and direct current sources of supply for energizing said armature and field windings, respectively, an alternating current pilot generator means for producing an alternating current voltage having a frequency corresponding to the speed of said synchronous motor, a pair of beat frequency circuits each of which has induced therein an alternating current voltage of a frequency which is the beat frequency of that of said alternating current source and said alternating current pilot generator means, electronic control means including a grid controlled thermionic tube which grid is influenced only by the first of said beat frequency circuits up to the time said beat frequencydecreases to a predetermined low value, a pair of relays which are successively controllable by said electronic control means, the first relay being actuable in response to a predetermined decrease in beat frequency in said first beat frequency circuit and being effective to maintain itself in an energized condition and transfer the control to the second beat frequency circuit, the second relay being effective to complete a circuit between the direct current source and the field winding at a time in the operating cycle when the maximum pull-in torque is afforded.

FINN H. GULLIKSEN. 

